What inspired you to choose Sotheby’s Institute of Art for your online studies? 

I’ve always had a deep interest in art, both personally and professionally. While I was familiar with Sotheby’s as a major auction house, I came across the Institute’s online courses by coincidence. The course titles immediately caught my attention—they focused on areas that aren’t often covered in traditional academic programs, like the art market and the legal side of art.

As someone who studied both law and art history, I felt these courses could help fill some of the gaps in my knowledge and give me a more practical understanding of how the art world works today. 

How would you describe your overall experience of the online courses? 

My overall experience with Sotheby’s Institute of Art was excellent! The courses were clearly structured, professionally delivered, and full of real-world insights. The instructors were not only knowledgeable but also approachable and passionate about their subjects.

I appreciated the mix of reading material, case studies, and video content, which made the learning experience engaging and easy to follow. Courses like Art and Finance and Determining Value: An Appraiser’s Perspective gave me a perspective I hadn’t encountered in academic settings. The course helped me better understand how money, value, and market forces actually work in the art world, which is rarely discussed at university. 

What did you enjoy the most about the courses—whether that’s the content, faculty expertise, peer community, or learning approach? 

What I enjoyed most was the access to leading voices in the art world through professionally produced video materials. These often featured in-depth interviews with prominent figures, which inspired me to explore their work further, deepening my knowledge well beyond the classroom. The discussions with instructors and peers were also a highlight—particularly during the Artists’ Estates and Foundations course.

These sessions fostered lively debates and meaningful exchanges, enriching the learning experience and creating a sense of academic community. The ability to interact with professionals from diverse backgrounds offered unexpected networking opportunities, much like the connections I made during in-person Art and Law short course in London in 2014. Those relationships have remained valuable to this day. 

Did the online courses provide new perspectives or industry knowledge that helped you in your career or creative practice? 

These courses have helped me align my legal expertise with my passion for art in a meaningful and professional way.

From early visits to museums with my father to working at The Hirschsprung Collection, I’ve always felt a strong connection to the art world. Each subject—whether focused on finance, valuation, legal frameworks, or artist estates—offered a unique perspective that contributed to a broader and more connected understanding of the field. Taken together, they provided a well-rounded view that I hadn’t encountered in my previous academic or professional experiences.

I now better understand how the creative, commercial, and legal aspects of the art world intersect, which has greatly influenced the way I approach my work. Whether I’m advising clients, researching legal matters, or simply navigating the industry, I feel more confident and better prepared to make informed decisions. 

How did you find the pace, structure, and time commitment of the courses? Did the online format and learning platform support your experience? 

I was surprised by just how professional and polished the courses were. The content was current, the video quality was high, and everything felt thoughtfully put together. I expected the material to be interesting, but it went deeper than I thought it would. There was a strong focus on real-world application, which really added value.

The instructors were also more involved than I expected—they were present in discussions and open to questions, which made the learning experience feel very personal. Overall, the courses exceeded my expectations in both content and delivery. 

How have the courses benefited you personally or professionally? Have you applied what you learned to your current work or practice?

The online format was ideal for my schedule. I worked while studying, so having the flexibility to learn at my own pace was essential. The platform was easy to use, and I liked being able to go back and re-watch videos or re-read material when I needed to. Even though it was online, the live sessions and forums helped create a sense of community. I never felt like I was learning in isolation. The format made it possible to keep up with the course without feeling overwhelmed, which really helped me stay motivated and engaged.

What advice or would you offer to prospective students considering an online course with Sotheby’s Institute of Art? 

If you’re serious about working in the art world, these courses are a great investment. They offer insights you won’t find in most university programs and connect you with people who are actively shaping the field. But it’s important to stay engaged—participate in discussions, do the readings, and follow up on topics that interest you.

The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. These courses offer more than just knowledge— they can also open doors to new contacts, career ideas, and a better understanding of where you might fit into the art world. 

Photo by Neli Garnet